The third Monday in January has gained a reputation for being the glummest as people, with Christmas long-since faded, struggle through to payday while trying to keep up with New Year detoxes and diets in the face of bad weather and credit card bills.

However, this year you can tackle ‘Blue Monday’ head on with advice from psychologist Dr Amy Harrison, lecturer at Birkbeck, who will be running a free workshop on how to improve your happiness and wellbeing.

Taking place tonight at the Idea Store Whitechapel, her top tips include making an effort to see the positives in everything, doing something nice for others like giving up your seat on public transport, and keep a picture of your loved ones or a cute cat handy to keep you perked up.

Dr Harrison says: “Many people might be surprised to hear that these small actions can have such a positive impact on mood.

“However, it’s worth a go – one thing that can be guaranteed is that if you don’t try anything different, things will stay the same.”

Cockroaches, mice droppings, hobs covered in fat and food left to cool next to bags of rubbish are some of the findings that prompted environmental health officers to shut down this filthy Chinese take-away kitchen.

It’s something many Londoners have wished for on a Sunday morning. Now a pill which helps dampen the desire to drink alcohol is available to people who drink half a bottle of wine or three pints a night or more.

British Ebola victim William Pooley will be kept in strict isolation at the Royal Free hospital in Hampstead, behind plastic sheeting for weeks while doctors battle to save his life, experts have said.

Promoted content

Chelsea Old Town Hall will be the venue for the renowned Desire Fair from 6-8 March 2015. This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed.